Washington CAN!

2009 Legislative Session

2009 Legislative Session


Washington CAN’s 2009 Legislative Agenda!

Washington CAN's 2009 Legislative Priorities:

Skyrocketing health care costs are a key contributor to the economic crisis in our State and in our Nation. For those fortunate enough to have health insurance, excessive premiums devour family budgets. After meeting health needs, many have little left for other basic needs, and no discretionary income left to spend on the goods and services vital to a healthy economy. Reforming our critically ill health care system at both the state and national level is integral to our economic recovery.

Hold the Line: No Cuts to Existing Safety Net Programs

Making deep cuts in social safety net programs in order to fill the budget deficit will harm our most vulnerable families and individuals when they need help the most. Washington CAN! opposes cuts to Basic Health, Public Health, Children’s Health, GAU, and Medicaid. We oppose cuts to all programs that provide direct services and supports to low-income people, especially during the recession when these services are most vital. Additional federal matching dollars for Medicaid (FMAP) should be used for preservation of the health care safety net and not be used as a way to supplant spending for other state programs

Repeat the Success: Cover Everyone by 2012

Now is time to pass legislation that sets a deadline to achieve the goal of coverage for everyone. A few years back, our state made the goal of covering all kids by 2010 public policy. And we are close to achieving this goal. This year, lawmakers should establish the goal to work in cooperation with the federal government to secure quality and affordable health care for all Washingtonians by 2012.

Quality Medical Interpretation for Limited English Speakers

Patients who are deaf or do not speak English as their first language often face language barriers to health care. Currently, most private health insurers do not cover the cost of medical interpretation, which can leave patients relying on their children to interpret complex medical terminology. This problem contributes to racial disparities in health care. Washington CAN! supports improving access to quality health care by requiring private health insurers cover necessary medical interpretation for policyholders.

Promote Patient Privacy

The relationship between a patient and their doctor should be private. But, because of a loophole in HIPAA, pharmaceutical companies obtain individual prescription lists from pharmacies, then use those lists to market specific drugs directly to consumers. Lawmakers should pass legislation to protect the privacy of patient’s prescription information.

Affordable, Quality Health Care for Small Businesses

Small businesses will be an important driver of economic recovery, but a lack of access to affordable health care inhibits small business development. Washington State’s innovative Health Insurance Partnership was designed to support small businesses by providing assistance to help low-wage small business employees afford quality coverage. However, the program has been halted due to the current revenue crisis. Washington CAN! supports the retention of the Partnership and the necessary funding to make the Partnership viable.

Voting Rights Restoration

Currently, people convicted of a felony and who have served their time can't vote until they've paid all of their outstanding court fees and legal financial obligations. As a result, people of means can vote, but those with limited incomes cannot. The system disproportionately affects communities of color. One study shows that former offenders who vote are 50% less likely to reoffend than those who don't vote. Elections officials also have difficulty determining who is and is not eligible to vote because the process is complex and confusing. We support legislation that creates a clear bright line for voting rights restoration that automatically restores the right to vote to individuals once they have exited the criminal justice system.

Payday Lending Reform

Payday loans are small loans taken out until your next paycheck. They carry excessively high interest rates of up to 2,700% annual interest rate. Once in payday lending debt, families are forced to pay fees over and over again because they’re trapped and unable to pay off the original loan. Washington lawmakers should pass consumer protections, similar to protections provided to military families, that include capping the annual interest rate at 36%, extending the minimum loan period, allowing installment payments, and prohibiting check holding/electronic access to bank accounts.

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